hello SeouL - Han River bike tour

On Sunday the weather was somehow gone up to 16C which was great, no bubble jackets and cycling time. Robb found this out from the Lonely Planet where there is an itinerary to cycle around the Han River.

different type of bicycle to rent from small to two-seat bikes. There are bike stalls to rent, just a couple of minutes walk from the station. For an hour, it's 3000 won for 1 person, 6000 won for 2 ppl. You will need to put your ID card as a deposit, to be returned later. Don't know if they speak english well, but we just copied what the ppl in front of us said.


we rented the two person bike, so rare!! this is a good idea as I have my hands free to take photos


special lines, cool!


passed the National Assembly



health equipment for community use

hello SeouL - Gwajang Market 과장 시장

We went to Gwajang Market on Sunday, so only food stalls are open. It is one of the traditional markets selling different kinds of local delicacies



those seats have heating on them so your bottom wouldn't get cold... aww....




having some 빈대떡 and 막걸리 makgeolli



bibimbap 비빔밥, I saw these in one of the episode in 2D1N, definitely had to try some!

hello SeouL - meeting of cultures

Spending time with other ppl in the guesthouse is a must to do list! don't go locked away in your own room, socialize with others in common rooms, share stories, booze will always welcomed

passing on the etiquette


Robb from Seattle and Jeong-Ah from Daejeon



Cant remember what we were writing in here...


catching a makgeolli?

hello SeouL - Hongik 홍익

홍익 (Hongik) area is hosts gazzilion(?) of unique cafes, small shops and most known for its night clubs. Located in Line 2 and busy especially on weekends as there are shops open late

The cafes are worth a look as I found Korean cafes to be unique and homey. They serve a number unique blend coffees like cafe mocha macchiato?(unlike Melbourne with its lattes and short black). However, do make a note to the waiter if you don't want sugar in yours, as they automatically put in sugar.However, I found that Koreans are very chatty, so it might be quite noisy, specially if you don't know what they're talking about.

On Saturdays, they have free markets just in front of Hongik University where you can find heaps of artsy stuff

this guy was waiting for his turn to be drawn as caricature. I found it funny as they actually paste the paper(마지막 수님:last customer) on his back. lol



I do have to warn you there are lots of ppl, so be prepared to be shoved around...



small boutiques in the area selling some pretty good clothes & shoes at relatively cheap price



I love scarves here, they're awesome, there are never to much scarves to buy

Hello SeouL - accomodation

Place(s) to stay in Seoul
(to be updated later)

things to consider before choosing accomodation(hostels):
1. breakfast provided?
2. location - Hongik has tons of guesthouses cus the area is just awsome!!
3. Price - hows your budget? do you mind sharing with 6 other ppl?(it can be really annoying!!)
4. Cleanliness - trust me IT IS important to check out reviews of how clean the guesthouse is

last - for me... TV, they need to have TV!!

Bebop Guesthouse
located near Hongik station, the guesthouse is not only for foreigners, but locals as well. They have dorms for six to four ppl, doubles as well. Kitchen and common room area is great, too bad they don't have TV.. T.T
(I need my dose of Korean TV!!)
random: I met two funny ladies the other day who stayed with me in the same room, we ended up talking the whole night with other ppl from the guesthouse, more posts on that later.

some artwork...



Common room area is great, they do need TV though!!!


cool stairs, there are two floors and lockers to use


My room

hello SeouL - 남대문 & 명동

Myeongdong - expect to see heaps of tourists buying loads of make-up products. You'll find popular make-up shop name it Etude, Missha, Skinfood, It's Skin, etc... and all endorsed by popular Kpop groups

PS: they hand out free samples if you go in the store yay!

namely 2PM for It's Skin. I saw japanese tourists go crazy with JYJ for Banana Republic




Namdaemun - one of Korea's oldest traditional markets

street food... mostly fried, but you can find some steamed ones as well